Stops and Services

It is always helpful to the driver if you actively hail the bus and make yourself as visible as possible.

What services operate on Public Holidays?

As the public holidays approach, we will make this information available on our homepage in the Service Notices section.

Can I be dropped off/picked up from a non-flagged bus stop area?

In almost all situations, you can only be picked up from a designated stop. This is for safety reasons and rarely would an exception be allowed.

What can I do to make my journey safer and easier?

At bus stops

Get to the bus stop five minutes before the bus is due to arrive.

Children shouldn’t play on the road or attempt to approach the bus until it has stopped.

Stand back from the kerb as the bus pulls in.

Be sure that the bus driver can see you and you can see the driver.

Boarding the bus

Wait until the bus has stopped and the door has opened before approaching the bus.

Allow passengers to alight before boarding the bus.

Watch your step, and use the handrail.

If you have to buy the ticket on the bus, have any concession cards ready to show the driver.

If you need help boarding the bus or require assistance with your destination or route, ask the driver.

Validate your ticket before you take a seat.

When on the bus

Remain seated throughout the journey.

Do not speak to or distract the driver while the bus is moving.

If you see someone who is elderly, pregnant, mobility impaired or disabled, offer them your seat.

Do not place bags on seats. Use the luggage racks where possible.

Do not block doorways and allow other passengers room to move if they are getting off the bus.

When standing, place bags on the floor between your feet.

Getting off at your stop

Press the stop button in time to allow the driver to stop the bus safely and smoothly.

Stay in your seat until the bus has come to a complete stop.

Remove your headphones so you can be completely aware of your surroundings

After you have alighted, never attempt to cross the road in front of or behind the bus. Wait at the stop well clear of the bus until it has driven away before crossing the road.

What can I take on the bus?

Can I take a mobility scooter on the bus?

Other than large ride on scooters, mobility scooters are welcomed on board low-floor, accessible buses. The overall width of the scooter needs to be less than 800 mm for entry onto the bus and be able to negotiate a door height of 1400mm. Scooters need to fit within an allocated space of 800 mm wide by 1300 mm long. For maneuverability they need to turn 180 degrees within an area of 2070 mm by 1540 mm.

Can I take a bike or surf board on the bus?

Surf boards and bicycles cannot travel on buses with passengers, however they can be stored in the luggage compartment underneath the bus. Some of our buses have this facility but not all. Please note that only 3 standard bicycles would fit at any one time in these buses. Our V/Line Apollo Bay/Lorne coaches do not allow these items to be transported in the luggage compartments, with the exception of fold up bikes.

Can I take my pet on the bus?

Guide dogs, hearing dogs, guide dogs in training and assistance animals can travel on our buses. Small animals are permitted on the buses, provided that they are carried in a RSPCA approved animal container. Size specifications (56cm long / 30cm wide / 38cm high) and a maximum weight of 15kg (including pet). Small animals must be able to stand up straight, lie down without being cramped and turn around within the approved container. Only one approved container is allowed per passenger.

McHarry's is the region's biggest charter company, and offers charters at competitive rates. See our Book A Bus page for more information.